‘Parasite of Parasites’ Found in the Tropical Rainforests of Borneo

Scientists from Universiti Malaysia Sabah has found “worms of a parasite” In the tropical forests of Borneo.

The new species of fungi, called Pleurocordyceps cornusynnemata because of its horn-like appearance, it has become he explained in the journal Phytotaxa.

The Discovery

The new hyperparasite was identified after several visits to the remote Danum Valley in the Malaysian state of Sabah. According to at Phys.org, researchers found Pleurocordyceps cornusynnemata almost by chance searching for a dead ant.

The newly discovered fungus attacks the already infected ants Ophiocordycepsknown as zombie mushrooms. Insects that cause pathogens, especially ants, by manipulating their tissues and causing them to do things that help the spread of their spores before they kill the animal.

A Parasite of Parasites

Unlike the zombie fungus, the hyperparasite does not control the ants. Instead, it fights the zombie fungus that is already growing inside the insect. “Instead of disrupting the insect’s nervous system, Pleurocordyceps it enters and feeds directly on the developed Ophiocordyceps Said Jaya Seelan Sathiya Seelan, deputy director of Malaysia Sabah’s Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ITBC) and one of the discoverers of this species. interview and AFP.

There are other hyperparasites in the world, but Seelan said this is the first one with a horn-like shape. “This rare find also highlights some of the challenges in tropical climates and shows how much is still unknown about the diversity of our forests,” ITBC said. he said in a press release.

Main Results

During the same expedition, the researchers also discovered a new type of fungus that is dangerous to spiders, spreading its spores throughout the arachnid’s body before killing them.

These findings go beyond scientific interest and may have important applications, including potential benefits for human health. “These newly-documented fungi have great potential,” Seelan told AFP, “both as sources for next-generation antibiotics and as potential agents in the fight against agricultural pests.”

This article appeared first WIRED Italy and translated from Italian.